Former umpire Sarah Dambanevana dies at age 36 in Harare
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 7:17 AM
Last updated Oct 13, 2026
Sarah Dambanevana, the first Zimbabwean female umpire to officiate at a World Cup, has died at 36. She passed away in Harare on October 12 after an extended hospital stay following a medical procedure. Dambanevana had a playing career for Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014 before transitioning to umpiring in 2023. Her historic achievements included officiating the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup final and serving on the all-female panel at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Zimbabwe Cricket expressed deep sorrow over her passing, highlighting her significant contributions to the sport.
- •Dambanevana played for Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014.
- •She officiated in 63 senior international matches.
- •Her umpiring career began in September 2023.
- •She became the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate a World Cup final.
- •Zimbabwe Cricket praised her contributions to the sport.
- 7:17 AMYahoo Sports — Sarah Dambanevana, first Zimbabwean female umpire in Women's T20 World Cup, passes away at 36
"Former Zimbabwe cricketer and umpire Sarah Dambanevana has died in Harare at 36 after months in hospital following a medical procedure. She represented Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014 before becoming an international umpire. In 2023, she became the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate a World Cup final and later worked at the 2024 and 2025 women's World Cups.
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